There will be an inquiry into ground search and rescue in Newfoundland and Labrador even though the death that spearheaded it happened over eight years ago.
Burton Winters, 14, died on the ice outside Makkovik when his snowmobile became stuck. He had walked 19 kilometres before succumbing to the elements.
It was a tragedy that gripped the province, and led to many questions about jurisdiction and search and rescue response time.
Many believe that he could have been found in time had the system worked the way it should have. The RCMP and RNC are the lead agencies for ground search and rescue.
(Premier Dwight Ball, MHA Perry Trimper, MP Yvonne Jones speak from Happy Valley-Goose Bay at the announcement that Judge James Igloliorte will commence work on an inquiry into Ground Search and Rescue. Photo courtesy Dept. of Justice and Public Safety.)
Former provincial court Judge James Igoliorte will head up the inquiry, which will cost about $2-million.
Premier Dwight Ball made the announcement in Happy Valley-Goose Bay this afternoon. The inquiry was one of four that he had promised after being elected.
Igloliorte will provide input on the nature, scope and mechanisms of the Inquiry into Ground Search and Rescue for Lost and Missing Persons in the province.
Premier Ball says many changes have occurred regarding search and rescue since the death of Burton Winters in 2012.
Further details on the inquiry process, which is not expected to exceed six months, will be released this fall once the inquiry is formally established
